Mid-match tribute to Lucas has divided opinion among supporters

As much as Lucas Leiva should be applauded for his service to Liverpool, some believe the tributes swiftly got out of hand.

Leiva's 10-year tenure as a Reds player ended this week, when he officially signed for Lazio for £5 million, and his message to the club's supporters in the wake of his departure was typically classy.

"Liverpool as a club and Liverpool as a city is a unique place. I think it’s different from everywhere.  While I am saddened that my days at Anfield are coming to an end, I can at least take comfort from the knowledge that my relationship with Liverpool and the supporters is stronger than ever."

In response to the Brazilian's farewell, the Liverpool squad gathered to record a video message to Leiva, with several players issuing personal words of thanks for what he'd done for them. https://twitter.com/LFC/status/887361139679612929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flucas-pens-incredibly-classy-letter-to-liverpool-fans-as-he-leave-the-club-134359 And if you thought the tributes would end there, think again. During Liverpool's preseason meeting with Crystal Palace in Hong Kong, a minute's applause was organised in the 21st minute to honour the contribution of Liverpool's outgoing No. 21. Understandably, hardcore Reds supporters felt that the gesture was a fitting one considering everything the 30-year-old had given to the Anfield cause. https://twitter.com/RHidayat86/status/887658608497905664 https://twitter.com/RishGirdhar/status/887658590328070144 https://twitter.com/ryan3levis/status/887658204209049600 https://twitter.com/LFC_Denny/status/887658093659774976 While other fans were quick to note that Lucas remains, in fact, alive and that the tributes may have become a tad excessive for a player who's simply moved to a different club. https://twitter.com/cjluck84/status/887658163184574464 https://twitter.com/ryan_ellison97/status/887667175326187520 https://twitter.com/DerekMacMirror/status/887659811990642688 https://twitter.com/manny_efc/status/887667195815350272 https://twitter.com/GarethCambridge/status/887658450842464258